CYCLING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 131, 27 February 1929, Page 8

CYCLING

- (By "

“Velos.”)

REVIEW OF CHAMPIONSHIPS. / The cycling events provided some exceptionally keen competition at the thirtyeighth annual New Zealand track championships held on Friday and Saturday last. The track was in splendid condition, except for a few slight bumps at the entrances to both straights, which in some measure accounted for the only spill of the meeting. A brilliant jump by the Aucklander, Wade, just before the bell in the half mile final gave him a good lead, and Grose, in attempting to reduce the gap rose from a bump and skidded, bringing Mackie down with him. It has been stated that Mackie fell first, but this is Incorrect. Grose was unable to ride after the spill and this robbed the remaining races of considerable interest, for, undoubtedly, he is one of the finest riders competing in the amateur ranks. Always ready to give a good lap’s pacing and an honest race, Grose is extremely popular. Another favourite wheelman is Tom Oakley and his dual win—one and three-mile —demonstrates his ability to ride a grass track. Oakley rode perfectly judged races and is a worthy title-holder, although this is. not the first year in which he has held that honour. The only Aucklander competing, Wade, showed exceptional dash at all times in his riding, and, in addition to wining the half-mile championship pul in a strong bid for the three-mile event. The local riders did not show to advantage. Flett’s dead-heat for second place in the mile being the best effort, while Gane succeeded in gaining third place in the three miles. A Promising B Grader.

Great interest is centred on the promising B grade rider, Gordon Staveley. Here is a boy, seventeen yars of age, who is truly a very speedy pedaller. joining up with the Olympic Club at the commencement of the present season, Staveley has won many races, both B grade and open, defeating much more experienced riders with a consistency that leaves no doubt as to his sprinting ability. Off 90 yards he annexed the open mile event on Saturday afternoon, and thoroughly deserved his success. The eagerness with which Staveley takes his laps is certainly an example that many riders, senior and junior, could follow. To-nlglit’s Meeting. The Port Nicholson Amateur Road Cycling Club, in conjunction with the Wellington Centre, has drawn up for to-night at the Basin Reserve what promises to be the best cycling carnival promoted in Wellington for many years. The star event of the programme will be the pursuit match race between Tom Oakley. Milton Gone, and Frank Grose, in which the riders start at even intervals of the track. The ladles have done their duty well, and in the race for the lady’s bracelet almost every cyclist in Wellington has been entered. The lady nominating the winning rider will be presented with a gold bracelet immediately after the race. What promises to be a very keen finish Is the match race between the three B grade riders. Bellman. Staveley. and Sutherland. The distance for this event Is three-quarters of a mile, and a pacer will be on fnr two laps. A touch of humour will he supplied by the addition to the programme of a race, heats and finals, on eccentric cycles. These machines have wheels of an oval shape, and it is extremely amusing to see them being ridden.

A series of excellent supporting events has been added, including sprint running and ladles’ races. No effort has been spared to make the meeting a success, and spectators are assured of a good evening’s entertainment. • ■.